The Heart of Politics

New Years Day

This is really a bit of a filler episode. I'm working on bigger things (more chapters). I am so sorry for how long this took. I really am, but I hope the wait was worth it. You'll see what I mean. Just know that I really do love you all. 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

"Mhmmm" Rob tried brushing the hand that nudged him gently.

"Rob, it's already 2:30 in the afternoon."

"Wow...really?" Rob stretched. "I haven't slept this much in a really long time."

"Which we also need to talk about. You seriously need to take better care of yourself."

"I don't have the ti—" Rob paused halfway through the stretch.

"It aches doesn't it."

Rob blew raspberries "no it doesn't."

"Yeah right. Sit up carefully I made you breakfast."

"Aw you made me breakfast in bed."

"Of course because you slept like the dead since overworking is something you prefer."

"You seriously didn't pull any punches."

"I've been thinking about how terrible you are
At taking care of your health when you've got a lot of work. I just didn't mention anything. I've noticed it especially while living with you during these holidays."

"You're observant. Of course I am, it's because I love you."

Rob's mouth hung open. He knew Jesse loved him but he didn't often vocalize it. "I— I'll try. It's just not easy. I'm probably gonna—"

"So why don't I move in." Jesse blurted.

Rob blinked. And then he blinked again. And a third time for extra measure. Move in. What does that mean? M-O-V-E  I-N. WAIT?! Does this mean he wants to reside in this apartment with me?! Does he want to sleep in the same bed...With me...every day... Oh wait we can't... Jesse likes his library and he's particular about his tea kettles. Overtime he wouldn't like—.

"What is your face doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"It's doing this weird "this is so sad" expression. Wait...do you...not want to live together?..."

"Of course I want you to live with me Jesse. It's just that we can't."

"Why the hell not?" Jesse blew out frustrated.

"Because..."

Jesse felt like he'd fallen underwater. The words that Rob spoke were muffled, beyond recognition. He tried to listen, but it was impossible.

"Jesse..."

"Mhm?"

"Did you hear what I said?"

"You don't want to live with me."

"No you dummy. I want to live with you, but all of your comforts are at your place. Your library fort, your favourite tea kettle. All the piles of blankets, and each and every romance book. I just don't want you to leave the things you love behind."

"But I love you the most." Jesse shuffled closer to the bed. Rob reached out and grabbed his hand.

"Love, I know you do, but you also need your comfort items. Or you get the tiniest bit grumpy"

"Then why don't you move in with me, or I could bring my comfort items here since your apartment is bigger." Jesse sat down on the edge of the bed.

Let's bring the your stuff over here."

Rob pulled Jesse in by the nape and brought their lips together.

By the time breakfast was done, they'd already planned to move everything today, and start the set up tomorrow.

"We also have to go to work this Friday." Rob set down his mug on his nightstand.

"Thus ends a lovely winter break." Jesse sighed

"And thus begins the campaign for your new bill."

Jesse's mouth melted into a smile. "I'd almost forgotten. I'm actually quite excited to get things rolling and to talk to people."

And then his smile fell, "although I'm not excited to debate Geert Wilders. But you know...we probably have Barend Bakker on our side."

Rob scoffed "It would be unprofessional for him to take our side just because of my mother."

"You're right maybe he shouldn't be so blind in decision making."

Rob rolled his eyes "Oh so my mother's well-being and love for family shouldn't be of the highest priority to Mr. Bakker."

Jesse deadpanned "maybe he should just quit politics."

Rob snorted "A quitter will never be good enough for my mother."

Jesse stared Rob down with dead eyes "So he should aim for a higher position in politics?"

"Ha! Because my mother isn't important enough. He wouldn't spend enough time with her. I don't approve."

"Rob... I love you, but you're being unreasonable."

"No I'm not, I just want him to be alive for my mother but not breathe too much oxygen. That's not a lot to ask. Barend Bakker should learn to toe the fine line."

"I...cannot believe that you are the person I'm dating."

"Oh so would you like a refund?"

"Absolutely not. Now let's forget about work and get my pillows and blankets and fairy lights and books and kettle and candles and skin products and pens and—"

"Yes yes I understand you are a material girl." Rob sighed as they got out of the elevator.

"Ha! I know this one but they spell it G-W-O-R-L"

"The youth and their spelling habits."

"Maybe we can inquire Devin about them at work another day."

"I'd almost forgotten about the boy."

Jesse looked at Rob in horror "How could you? Do you realize the reason we are a couple is mainly to do with him? He's like our secret Cupid"

Rob thought about it as he held the passenger door open for Jesse. "Huh, now that you say it."

"I'm right, right? Of course I'm right. I'm not usually wrong." Jesse nodded to himself. "Ah Thank you."

"For you I'd open anything, including a pasta jar lid."

"Ever the charmer" Jesse shook his head and Rob settled into the driver's seat

"Alright, alright. Off we go"